Henry Amadiegwu

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2025.

Henry Amadiegwu is the CIO at Zenith Bank (UK) Limited where he oversees IT infrastructure, application development, information security and strategy. He has over 20 years' experience in IT systems design, architecture and management, information security, strategy, transformational changes and continual service improvement projects in the Banking, Logistics and Luxury Retail sectors.

Prior to joining Zenith Bank UK, Henry has held IT Leadership positions at Emirates National Bank of Dubai, Israel Discount Bank, Piraeus Bank, First Global Trust Bank, FBN Bank (UK), Smythson, TFL and Quintessentially where he oversaw the repositioning of IT services and delivery of cost-effective digital transformation initiatives.

What's the most exciting part of your current role?

To oversee a core banking transformation, moving from an old legacy platform to a new global standard set by the bank's parent organisiation.

What do you consider your greatest IT achievement of the last 12 months?

We went live with a new bank branch in Paris. This is the bank's first European base, and we also deployed a new core banking system.

What's the biggest challenge facing IT leaders today, and how are you tackling it?

Increased levels of regulatory oversight to managing third party risk.

What we are doing:

1. Working with third parties to bring their levels of service and resiliency up.
2. Establishing exit strategies with some third parties in anticipation of a requirement to move away from certain parties.
3. Increasing our understanding in the regulatory landscape and investing in resource to help.

What piece of technology could you not live without, and why?

The smartphone. It's essentially a lifeline to the world - communication, navigation, entertainment, news, banking, work, health tracking, and much more, all packed into one device.

Just like most other people, my smartphone keeps me connected, organised and informed no matter where I am. It's difficult to imagine a day without smartphones because they support so many aspects of daily living.

What excites you most about the future of IT?

AI represents the opportunity to revolutionise the way tasks are done, decisions are made and even how organisations are run. Leveraging AI successfully will truly transform financial services.

What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?

Before I became a CIO, I worked as a tester in a brewery.

If you could instantly master one new skill, what would it be?

If I could instantly master one new skill, it would be organisational storytelling. Not just presenting data or roadmaps, but telling compelling, visionary stories that inspire action, align teams and secure buy-in from both the board and the team. Mastering that skill would let me bridge the gap between strategy and execution more effectively than any tool or platform ever could.